Order of the Supreme Court regarding air pollution control in Delhi NCR, 15/11/2019
Order of the Supreme Court in the matter of M. C. Mehta Vs Union of India & Others dated 15/11/2019 regarding air pollution control in Delhi NCR.
A joint affidavit was submitted on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Central Pollution Control Board on the establishment of towers to remove pollution but a final decision is yet to be taken. The court directed that the concerned stake holders file their response on Project Vayu as to how much time would it take to note the results of the trial and the minimum period required for that.
The Member Secretary, CPCB informed the Tribunal that pollution due to stubble burning has been reduced to approximately 5%. Further, vehicular pollution adds to 28% of the total pollution of Delhi and that the odd-even scheme is applicable to the cars only, which contribute only 3% out of 28% of the total pollution caused by the vehicular traffic in Delhi. Mukul Rohatgi, senior counsel on behalf of the NCT of Delhi, also pointed out that applying odd-even scheme with respect to cars cannot be said to be a wholesome solution. However, in the absence of the effective public transport, two-wheelers and three-wheelers plying has not been stopped.
The SC directed Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to conduct random checking of three wheelers as well as vehicles used by corporations to the kind of fuel being used. This came in response to the complaint that some vehicles are using kerosene in Delhi NCR. The Court also directed that the 13 hot spots identified in Delhi be cleared of pollutants within a week.
Chief Secretary of the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and the NCT of Delhi have to remain present on November 25, 2019 the next date of hearing. This is to ensure that necessary steps are taken to stop stubble burning.